“It’s no longer an issue of being opposed to or in support of medical marijuana," Borges told The Enquirer. "We have it in Ohio now, so it’s important that we help guide state policy appropriately and bring qualified, responsible applicants to the table.”

Applications were due Friday for businesses interested in growing marijuana through the state's new medical program.

The Ohio Department of Commerce received 109 applications for large-scale marijuana grows and 76 applicants for the smaller operations, according to a Wednesday news release.

Twelve growers will be selected for each category.

Little is known about the applicants beyond their names. Many are limited-liability companies created in recent months, and state business records shield their backers. Ohio Department of Commerce has yet to release where the applicants proposed growing medical marijuana.

Ohio passed its medical pot law last year. Ohio-grown marijuana for eligible medical conditions should be available by September 2018. Until then, patients can seek marijuana from other states where the drug is legal.